Penetanguishene man, 43, charged with arson following suspicious apartment fire

A 43-year-old man has been charged in connection with a suspicious fire at a residential building in Penetanguishene.

A 43-year-old Penetanguishene, Ont., man has been charged in connection with a suspicious fire at a residential building on Poyntz Street.

Southern Georgian Bay police arrested the man Thursday afternoon, after officers recognized him outside of a County Road 93 shopping centre in Midland. Police were already on the lookout for the suspect and say the arrest was made without incident.

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As a result of the investigation, the man has been charged with arson - disregard for human life and arson - damage to a property. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The charges stem from a fire that broke out in the early hours of the morning on Jan. 19 at an apartment complex. Police officers and the Penetanguishene Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire on the third floor of the building.

Officials say one apartment sustained extensive damage, but no injuries were reported. Residents have since returned to their units, with the exception of those in the damaged unit.